Dr. Katherine Sharp Landdeck’s presentation of her book, “The Women With Silver Wings,” is the inaugural lecture in the new Women Rising Series.

The WOMEN RISING series is generously sponsored by the Martha Jane Phillips Starr Field of Interest Fund to profile the women who found their place on the world stage during the Truman administration; to reflect on the contributions of women; and to serve as a catalyst for promoting women as activists and leaders.

Keynote Speaker - The Women Airforce Service Pilots: Forgotten Heroines of World War II

Keynote Speaker: Lessons in Perseverance from the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II.

The Women Airforce Service Pilots served with the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II and then were promptly forgotten. More than 1,100 women fought for the chance to serve their country and went on to fly every plane the USAAF had. They ferried planes from the factory floor to the coasts so they could be shipped to the men overseas, test-flew aircraft that had been repaired, towed targets behind their planes to train ground gunners—who always used live ammunition—and performed any other domestic flying job the USAAF needed done. Their work was heralded as vital to the war effort. Then, in December 1944, they were sent home. There were enough men available to do their jobs, and the women, including the 38 who died flying for their country, were quickly forgotten. The story of their fight to serve, to fly, and to be remembered, offers lessons in perseverance that continue to inspire.

On Thursday, September 17, 2020, historian Katherine Landdeck will join us via live video conferencing to discuss her new book about these intrepid aviators, The Women with Silver Wings

https://www.coastalgeorgiahistory.org/date/the-women-with-silver-wings/

Learn more about this event on the Atlanta History Center website.

Watch a recording of this event below:

VIRTUAL EVENT | Katherine Landdeck, The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II in conversation with GPB’s Virginia Prescott

https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/programs/katherine-landdeck-the-women-with-silver-wings-the-inspiring-true-story-of-the-women-airforce-service-pilots-of-world-war-ii

During World War II, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) tested aircraft, ferried new planes across the country, and trained other pilots. These skilled and ambitious flyers supported the troops abroad while combating sexism in the military and society at home. In this live chat, learn about their incredible story and ask questions to historian Katherine Sharp Landdeck Ph.D., author of The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II.

Tune in to the webcast on this page or watch on Facebook Live on the STEM in 30 Facebook page. Be sure to watch the recent STEM in 30 episode on World War II to prepare!

STEM in 30 is the National Air and Space Museum’s webcast series that provides shows and live discussions for middle school students. Tune in every month to share the fascination of aviation and space with your students.

https://airandspace.si.edu/events/air-space-live-chat-women-world-war-ii